In a press release Friday, the province noted that the infections have been reported mostly among people who identify as members of the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community. The province announced that those people are now eligible for the vaccine if they also meet at least one of the following criteria:

If they have been diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea and/or syphilis in the last two months. If they had two or more sexual partners in the last 21 days. If they have attended or plan to attend sites for sexual intercourse. If they have had anonymous sex in the last 21 days or plan to have, or If they have engaged in sex work or intend to do so, either as an employee or as a client.

Eligible Manitobans can book their preventive vaccination online starting August 8. It is offered at three Winnipeg locations, including Klinic Community Health, Access Winnipeg West and Our Own Health Centre.

The monkeypox vaccine has been available since June in Manitoba for people who may have been exposed to the virus. To date, there have been no confirmed cases of monkeypox in the province.